At the door of Jiang's house.
Liu Weizhen stood under the eaves, while Liu Xiuren paced back and forth in front of the door, appropriately showing his impatience.
The old soldier in the concierge pinched his hand and felt that it had been almost two-quarters of an hour before he opened the door again and said, "Master Liu, my eldest lady, please meet me in the main hall."
The time was shorter than expected. Liu Xiuren felt a little happy and waved to the entourage behind him, "Bring the gift up..."
"Official Liu, there is no need to carry the gifts in. My eldest lady has specifically ordered not to accept them." The old army's tone was a little stiff.
Liu Xiuren knew that it was normal for the people in the Fenghua Army to have a bad look on him because of the food and salary issue. As for the Jiang family, they were not accustomed to accepting gifts, so they did not force themselves and only took Liu Weizhen through the gate.
The Jiang family's house was built by Jiang Huai when he got married. It was more than 20 years old. It looked a little dilapidated and had obviously never been repaired. It was very inconsistent with Jiang Huai's status as the commander of the Imperial Army and the commander of the Xiangxiang Army. Liu Any other courtyard in the house is several times better than this, so Liu Weizhen couldn't hide the look of disgust in his eyes from the moment he walked in.
Arriving at the main hall, Mrs. Jiang and Chen stood up to greet him, "Liu Zhizhou's presence will make the humble house shine. It's just that it's not convenient for a woman to welcome you from afar. I hope you'll forgive me for being rude."
"Ha, my in-laws have made a strong statement. Why do our two families need to talk about these customs..."
Liu Xiuren laughed and glanced at Jiang Chen's side. Although Wanwan had put on a veil so that he couldn't see her face, her graceful and graceful figure already had a shocking feeling. Thinking of her nephew He has always resisted this marriage, and even tried to stir up the affair himself, which made him feel more and more stupid.
Mrs. Jiang Chen replied calmly, "The engagement has been terminated. Liu Zhizhou should not say any more words about his in-laws from now on."
"This..." Liu Xiuren's face was sullen, as if he was a little unhappy, and he raised his voice, "Even if we don't have this level of in-laws, your family and I can be considered family friends. Madam, you don't have to be so reclusive."
"A family friend? Maybe forget it." Mrs. Jiang Chen's face was calm and she waved her hand to the chair next to her, "Just sit down."
After sitting down, Liu Xiuren pretended to see Zhao Mengqi who had been sitting there, and asked with a stern face, "Who is this young gentleman?"
Zhao Mengqi crossed his legs, looking arrogant and unwilling to pay attention, and concentrated on playing with the tea cup without even looking at Liu Xiuren.
Liu Xiuren showed anger appropriately, "Shu Zi! How rude! Could it be that you are deaf?"
Liu Weizhen, who was standing at the end of the hall, saw that his uncle knew that the other party was King Yan, but he still dared to be so brave. He was frightened and admired him greatly.
Only then did Zhao Mengqi raise his head and said lazily, "Are you talking to me?"
"Oh, it turns out you can hear me. It's been a long time since Mr. Liu came in. Why didn't you show his courtesy?" Liu Xiuren deliberately showed off his prestige in the courtroom.
Zhao Mengqi didn't care, "You and I are both guests, why should I pay you a courtesy? Don't talk to me about your upbringing."
Then he glanced sideways at Liu Weizhen and teased, "Judging from this brother, how can your Liu family educate you? If you want to respect others, you must first respect them."
"Okay. Okay. Very good!" Liu Xiuren gritted his teeth, "May I ask what your name is?"
"If you don't change your name when you are sitting, and if you don't change your surname when you are working, I am Zhao Yu." Zhao Mengqi acted like a fool.
This shocked Liu Xiuren. What did King Yan mean? By signing up directly, could he have realized that his identity was leaked? Then does he know about the Liu family? ?
He was constantly speculating in his mind, but on the surface he was extremely shocked, as if he couldn't believe it, "Your Highness, King Yan!? This is no joke! Impersonation is a serious crime!"
At this time, Mrs. Jiang Chen spoke, "Liu Zhizhou misunderstood. Zhao Langjun is a family friend of my Chen family, and he is the Qi of Qishui."
"A family friend of the Chen family? Qishui?" Liu Xiuren muttered, then thought for a while, "Could he be the middle son of Duke Xin?"
Duke Xin is Zhao Kui, and coincidentally, his second son is named Zhao Qi, and he is only less than one year older than Zhao Mengqi.
Zhao Mengqi only gave a look of "It's good if you know" and said nothing, as if he didn't bother to answer.
"Disrespectful!" Liu Xiuren clasped his hands and thought to himself. It seems that King Yan didn't know that his identity was leaked, otherwise he wouldn't have to assume someone else's identity. Judging from his attitude, he probably didn't know about his own affairs, just because I just hate the Liu family for what happened yesterday. (This chapter is not finished yet!)
179.A play
From what happened in Lin'an some time ago, we can see that King Yan is a very scheming person. If he knew about it, he would either leave quickly, try not to attract anyone's attention and investigate secretly, or be kind on the surface to numb himself.
But his current behavior is completely dismissive of the Liu family and does not take it seriously at all, which shows that he does not think the Liu family is in danger.
Thinking of this, Liu Xiuren felt relieved, became more and more determined, and looked at Jiang Chen, "Madam, Liu came here mainly to apologize...Liu Lang, kneel down and apologize to Madam and Miss Jiang!"
Liu Weizhen knelt down and clapped his head three times, "Yesterday, I was rude and said a lot of hurtful words, which ruined Madam Jiang's reputation for no reason. I really shouldn't have..." I sincerely apologize and don't ask for anything. I understand. I just hope that Madam and Madam Jiang will not be angry again. If they are still angry, I will let you be beaten and punished. Even if I beat you to death, I will not complain."
After he finished apologizing, Mrs. Jiang Chen said calmly, "Well, it seems that you are repenting like this. The relationship between the two families is quite deep. Let's forget about pursuing anything. This matter ends here."
After hearing this, Liu Weizhen still knelt straight and did not dare to get up.
"Madam is magnanimous and has taken advantage of this little beast, otherwise it would be right to kill him." Liu Xiuren smiled, his face full of kindness, "Since madam has forgiven this boy for his rudeness, then the matter of breaking off the engagement is the right thing to do. Can't we discuss it again? After all, this kid is not only a little ignorant of the world, but also a bit pedantic in reading. He is quite good in nature and his studies are passable. He will start the course next year. If he is lucky enough to get it, he still has a bright future. No. Liu boasted that there are not many young people in the world who can compare with my Liulang. He and Mrs. Jiang are both talented and good-looking. They are a match made in heaven. If we miss it like this, it will definitely be a pity for you and me."
These words were like selling melons to the queen. Zhao Mengqi curled his lips when he heard this. A coward like Liu Weizhen couldn't even match Wanwan's fingernails. How could he be a talented woman? Bah, it smells shameless.
Wanwan, who was standing behind Mrs. Jiang Chen, had no wave in her eyes. She never glanced at Liu Weizhen from the beginning to the end.
Mrs. Jiang Chen raised her eyelids and looked at Liu Xiuren, "Liu Zhizhou, I think you should not bother yourself. This matter of breaking off the engagement is not a joke. Now that it has been said, there is no room for taking it back. Not to mention your nephew." Whether it is compatible with the little girl, but the Han family really doesn’t dare to compare favorably with the Liu family.”
"Isn't there any leeway? If the two families become in-laws, the Liu family will do their best to help the Jiang family and the Chen family." Liu Xiuren added.
Mrs. Jiang Chen shook her head, "It's just a daughter. There will be no other Jiang family or Chen family in the future."
"Liu can make the decision on behalf of the Liu family. As long as Liu and Jiang are married, he will choose someone from their heirs to adopt to the Jiang family and the Chen family, and fully support them to restore the family name and revive the family. Wouldn't everyone be happy in this way?"
The cakes painted by Liu Xiuren are big and round, which sounds quite tempting.
"Haha, you have a good plan. Are you going to eat up both the Jiang and Chen families?" Zhao Mengqi interjected sharply.
Liu Xiuren's expression suddenly changed, "What do you mean by Mr. Zhao's words!? Is he trying to provoke you!? If so, I will seek justice from the Duke of Xin."
Jiang Chen said, "Okay, this matter has nothing to do with Zhao Langjun. Now that we have talked about it, it is better to open the skylight and speak frankly. In fact, the old woman has always wanted to break off the engagement, because I feel that your Liu family does not have much Sincerity.”
"Where do you start talking about this?"
"If you are sincere, why have you been in arrears with the Fenghua Army's food and salary since you took charge of Pingjiang Mansion? Others may not be aware of the relationship between the Fenghua Army and the Jiang Chen family, but your Liu family is not."
Liu Xiuren was a little speechless. The reason why he defaulted on Fenghua's army food and salary was naturally for a purpose.
Because of the relationship between the Chen family, the Fenghua Army is very different from other Xiang armies. The local government does not give them much control and mobilization. In official matters, it is okay, but if these sergeants are used to do hard labor for the officials and make money for them, that is Absolutely not.
In addition, what Chen Sigong was best at back then was the navy, so the Fenghua Army maintained this tradition and assumed the task of river defense in Pingjiang Prefecture.
Although there are not many decent warships left, many military forts are set up along the Yangtze River. The sergeants also rely on fishing to make a living, and they also serve as river guards (this chapter is not finished yet!)
179.A play
inspection.
This hindered the Liu family's smuggling business. The key is that most of the people in the Fenghua Army have bad tempers. Even if they live a hard life, they are difficult to bribe. Therefore, Liu Xiuren wants to soften the Fenghua Army's uniform by suppressing it. This is also the Liu family's attempt. One of the reasons for using marriage to control the Fenghua Army.
"This... you can't say it like that. How can public and private be confused? It's not like Liu intentionally defaulted on the Fenghua Army's food and salary. It's actually because the government is in dire straits and can't come up with money and food. Madam, you should also know that there was a flood last year and my Pingjiang was affected. serious……"
Mrs. Jiang Chen didn't want to listen to his nonsense, "Okay, Liu Zhizhou, you don't need to explain too much. How do you govern and become an official? The old woman has no intention to criticize, and she can't say anything righteous. Women are only selfish, so from now on Judging from your style, if my little girl really marries into the Liu family, I really can’t expect you to treat her well. Since the two families are not in the same family, there is no need to worry about it. Let’s get together and part ways. The friendship can still retain some incense.”
"Now that Madam has made up her mind, I, the Liu family, will no longer be reluctant. We can only blame the two juniors for their fate. This matter ends here, so as not to make both families look ugly. The wedding invitation and Mrs. Jiang's birthday, I also brought it, and I will return it here."
Liu Xiuren took out the things and put them on the coffee table, and he felt relieved. The trick was finally over. Fortunately, the result was quite optimistic...
At this time, the concierge Lao Jun led a woman dressed as a maid outside the main hall. Before he could report, the little maid ran towards Wanwan crying.
"Mrs. Jiang, my wife died miserably..."
Wanwan recognized that this maid was from Gu Xixi and was shocked, "Hua Die? What happened!? I met Sister Gu a few days ago, why did she do it so suddenly?"
Huadie sobbed and cried, "Yesterday, several yamen from other places came to the building. The leader called himself Mr. Xu, and specified that he wanted his wife to accompany him to drink. That man seemed to have a great background. He was even the steward of Leying and the county yamen clerk. They didn't dare to disobey him, so the ladies had no choice but to accompany him. Who would have thought... Who would have thought that when they had a banquet late at night, their bestiality got out, and they forcibly raped all the five ladies present. They were not released until dawn, and the ladies were covered with bruises. The slave family didn't pay attention, drank poisonous wine, and jumped out of the window..."
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